Events Roundup: “Harry Potter” Zoom Meetings, Festivals, and a Virtual Fundraiser

Events have been a mixed bag lately. While we hope you stay safe and attend some virtual meetups, there are still a few in-person gatherings that you may be able to scope out. This week’s Events Roundup will give you all the info you need!

Ironton Wizardfest Delayed

COVID-19 takes another event from us. Not to worry, however! Ironton Wizardfest will be delayed until 2021. The organizers of the Ohio convention say they didn’t make the decision lightly and it is “rather heartbreaking.” Delaying the event was the inevitable option, according to sources. It was debated whether or not Wizardfest could be pushed another month or so, but as a result of the state’s current situation with the virus, organizers felt it was best to keep everyone as safe as possible by staying home. Keep coming back for updates about the new schedule.

Harry Potter Night at Kaleideum North

The Outdoor Science and Environmental Park at Kaleideum North in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is reopening for a night of magical family fun. The event is scheduled to take place on August 29 at 4:00 p.m. There will be something for everyone here, including making Poly Potion slime, recreating Harry’s famous glasses, wandmaking, searching for the Sorcerer’s Stone, and so much more. Guests have to register online for a spot. Tickets start at $10 for members of Kaleideum North and $12 for non-members. 

JW3 Fundraising Event

The Jewish Community Centre in London is hosting its first Big Night In. The event is a fundraising effort to help the community center as it recoups from lost attendance due to COVID-19. The event is free to watch online, and there will be virtual speakers also in “attendance.” Big Night In has been scheduled for September 10 and starts at 8:00 pm. Stephen Fry, who narrated the Harry Potter audiobooks, Imelda Stanton (Dolores Umbridge), and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) are expected to appear and speak at the event. You can see the full list of attendees on the event page. The CEO of JW3, Raymond Simonson, commented on the necessity of the event, stating, “Without that support, JW3 could not carry on as the community’s leading center for Jewish culture.”

Library Zoom Meetings for Kids

Peter White Public Library in Marquette, Michigan, released its Zoom schedule for the month of September. Instead of hosting regular in-person events at the library, Zoom meetings for kids are now the norm. On September 22 at 4:30 EDT second- and third-grade-age kids are invited to Muggles for Potter. This month, kids can expect to make their own potions and wands from home. There is no admission price to get on the Zoom call, but those who want to join can email the event organizers for information, supplies needed, and the Zoom invitation code. A full list of whom to email, times, dates, and more events can be found at the Mining Journal.

Sunbury Harry Potter Festival

Sunbury, Pennsylvania, will host its annual Harry Potter–themed Arts and Curiosities Festival this September. Starting at 11:00 am on September 12, the festival is promising to provide some much-needed fun in the wake of COVID-19, even though so many other, similar events are no longer scheduled. Organizers are making sure safety guidelines and social distancing precautions will be followed during the festival. Several vendors will set up booths and give attendees an opportunity to shop and see local fantasy-themed art. Guests can look forward to butterbeer, chocolate frogs, and a raffle for specialty items. Admission prices haven’t been posted.

If you’re hosting an upcoming magical event, you can submit it to be included in a future Events Roundup by sending all relevant information to submissions@staff.mugglenet.com.